How to Print Double Sided in Microsoft Word?

Last Updated: Feb 12, 2024 by

Printing double sided, also known as duplex printing, can save paper and reduce printing costs. However, figuring out how to print double sided in Microsoft Word can be confusing for some users. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to print double sided in Microsoft Word.

Check Printer Compatibility

Before attempting to print double sided, make sure your printer is capable of duplex printing. Some older printers may not have this feature, so it’s important to check your printer’s manual or specifications online. If your printer does not have duplex printing capabilities, you can still manually print double sided by flipping the paper over and reinserting it into the printer, but this can be time-consuming and may not produce the desired results.

Set Up Your Document for Double Sided Printing

To ensure your document is set up correctly for double sided printing, go to the “Layout” tab in Microsoft Word and click on “Print Layout.” This will show you how your document will look when printed. Make sure your document is formatted correctly and that there are no blank pages or extra spaces that may cause issues when printing double sided.

Adjust Printer Settings

Next, go to the “Print” menu and click on “Print Settings.” Under the “Print One Sided” option, select “Print on Both Sides” or “Duplex Printing.” This will vary depending on your printer model and the version of Microsoft Word you are using. If you are unsure, consult your printer’s manual or do a quick online search for instructions specific to your printer.

Print Your Document

Once you have adjusted your printer settings, click on the “Print” button to print your document. Your printer will automatically print on both sides of the paper, resulting in a double sided document. If your printer has a duplex printing feature, it will automatically flip the paper and print on the other side. If you are manually printing double sided, you will need to flip the paper over and reinsert it into the printer to print on the other side.

Troubleshooting

If your document does not print double sided, there may be a few reasons why. First, make sure your printer is set to duplex printing and that your document is formatted correctly. If you are still having issues, try printing a test page to see if the issue is with your printer or the document itself. If the test page prints double sided, then the issue may be with your document. If the test page does not print double sided, then there may be an issue with your printer’s settings or capabilities.

Conclusion

Printing double sided in Microsoft Word can save time, money, and paper. By following these simple steps, you can easily print double sided documents in Microsoft Word. Remember to always check your printer’s compatibility and adjust your document and printer settings before printing. With these tips, you can become a pro at double sided printing in no time.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.